Role Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a senior leadership role at Suffolk Wildlife Trust at a crucial point in our journey towards achieving our 2030 strategic goals. With an ambitious vision for “a wilder Suffolk”, the Head of Land Operations will play a vital role in ensuring the Trust’s reserve network is operationally strong, financially secure and well positioned for the future. This is a role with both strategic & practical importance, offering the chance to make a lasting contribution to the protection & recovery of Suffolk’s wildlife and habitats.
Responsibilities
The role will lead on supporting the effective management of reserves across the county by providing high-quality operational land management support. This includes overseeing legal and land agency matters, maintaining systems and documentation relating to land holdings, ensuring agreements, licences and permits are in place and retaining oversight of key functions such as grazing, GIS and reserve-related income streams.
The post holder will ensure that the operational foundations of the reserve network are robust and well managed to deliver strong outcomes for wildlife while reducing risk and improving long-term resilience.
Alongside this, the Head of Land Operations will help future-proof the reserve network by leading on acquisitions and disposals, supporting the development of habitat banks, enabling restoration and habitat creation projects and identifying opportunities that strengthen the network over time. The role also contributes to strategic oversight across the reserves, helping staff understand their part in delivering the Trust’s wider goals, supporting collaboration across leadership teams and driving continuous improvement.
Qualifications
The post holder must have strong experience in land management, ideally with a good understanding of nature conservation practices, funding schemes and land agency matters such as acquisitions, disposals and leaseholds. You will need budget management experience, the ability to work effectively with partners, landowners and communities and a strong track record of working with teams to improve efficiency and secure funding. Strong people management, organisational, written and IT skills are also essential, along with a positive, adaptable approach, high levels of integrity & determination with a clear commitment to our mission, vision, culture and values.
Working Conditions & Compensation
This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm). We operate flexible homeworking arrangements where colleagues spend more time working together than homeworking. The base of work will be Brooke House and the starting salary will be up to £48,645.00 per annum depending on skills, knowledge and experience.
Application Process
To apply for this opportunity, please submit an application via our website by 9:00am on Friday 15 May 2026. The interviews are planned for week commencing 01 June 2026 at Brooke House in Ashbocking.
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